Dear Career Doctor:

One of my co-workers swears profusely. I've been ignoring it, but it really makes me uncomfortable. I'm not the only one who feels this way. He's already been asked to watch his language, but he's ignored the request. There are ten of us in a small office. What should I do?

Jamie K.

Dear Jamie:

Poll your co-workers and find out how many want his language laundered. Then arrange to speak to him as a group. Tell him you like him, but not some of the words he uses.

Don't assume that one request -- even a group request -- will cure his bad habit. So ask him to help you come up with a way to remind him, like calling "foul" whenever a four-letter word slips out.

Keep the discussion and follow-up serious but light, because you don't want group relations to become unpleasant or to make him feel harasssed.

The Career Doctor